Continuous interleaved envelope and record assembly



Nov. 25, 1941. J. 5. FLEMING 2,264,114

CONTINUOUS INTERLEI WED ENVELOPE AND RECORD ASSEMBLY Filed April 28. 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 25, 1941. J. 3. FLEMING 2,264,114

CONTINUQUS INTERLEAVED ENVELOPE AND RECORD ASSEMBLY Filed April 28, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 25, 1941 CONTINUOUS INTERLEAVED ENVELOPE AND RECORD ASSEIHBLY John smart Fleming, Niagara Falls, N. Y., as-

signor to American Sales Book Company, Inc., Niagara. Falls, N. Y., a co p ration of Delaware Application April 28, 1939, Serial No. 270,678

17 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in manifolding assemblies of the type including long continuous interleaved record strips with interleaved transfer material, and adapted for use for transfer inscription either by manual means or in connection with various forms of writing machines such as typewriters, billing machines, tabulators, teletypewriters, autographic registers, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved arrangement of envelopes interleaved in inscription transfer relation with the record strips of the manifolding assembly.

It is a general object of the invention toprovide an improved means for mounting and assembling envelopes in transfer relation with manifolding assemblies of the class mentioned.

Another object of the inventionis to provide an improved means for connecting envelopes in series formation and in transfer relation in manifolding assemblies of the class mentioned, and providing an improved arrangement for-holding the envelopesin position in the assembly and for effecting feeding thereof in the writing machines.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a series of connected envelopes having an improved arrangement for connecting them together and for closing the envelope openings.

Another object is to provide a manifolding assembly having interleaved envelopes with an improved means for retaining the envelopes in position, and for separating them from. the assembly following completion of the inscriptions.

According to another feature of the invention, a connecting band for a series of envelopes is arranged in a novel and advantageous manner for effecting feed of the envelopes and for providing closure flaps for the envelopes when separated from the assembly.

is had to the following detailed description and to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a partially diagrammatic perspective view of a record assembly embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged partially diagrammatic fragmentary perspective view of the assembly, component parts being separated to a considerable extent so as to disclose the structure and arrangement;

Fig. 3 is a partially diagrammatic longitudinal vertical section through the assembly substantially along the line of the connecting devices;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail perspective view of the envelope assembly;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing a modified structure; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged transverse vertical section through the open end of one of the envelopes showing the arrangement of the closing flaps.

The illustrative embodiment of the invention as disclosed in the drawings includes a manifolding assembly of long continuous traveler record strips in interleaved with which is transfer material for transferring inscriptions made on the upper or original record strip, to the underlying record surfaces. While this transfer material may be supplied in different forms in the assembly, it is preferably in the form of long continuous traveler strips ll longitudinally coterminous with the record strips. While the transfer strips may be coated for transfer inscriptions on either the upper or lower surfaces thereof or both surfaces, they are herein disclosed as being coated with carbon transfer material 12 on their lower surfaces so as to transfer the inscriptions to the upper surfaces of the underlying strips.

The record strips I0 are preferably slightly wider than the transfer strips H having lateral extensions providing feed bands l3 extending longitudinally along the assembly and separated from the main body of the record strips by longitudinal weakened severance lines I so that the feed bands may be very readily torn or otherwise separated from the record strips. While'the feed bands are shown as being positioned at only one of the longitudinal assembly margins, it is to be understood that similar feedbands may be positioned if desired along each of the opposite longitudinalassembly margins. The feed bands are shown as provided with longitudinal series of pin feed apertures 15 in which the feed pins of feeding mechanism of the writing machines into the machine.

Transverse weakened severance lines It are formed in the record strips I and similar transverse weakened lines H are formed in the transfer strips ll, thus providing for severance of the strips along these lines These severance lines may be formed in well known manner such, for example, as perforating, scoring, slitting, etc., the paper of which the strips are formed. The transverse weakened severance lines i6 and I! are longitudinally spaced along the assembly and arranged in depthwise groups, thus providing for severance from the assembly of record sets of interleaved record and carbon leaves or sheets.

Longitudinally deviating portions i8 are provided in the weakened severance lines ll of the transfer strips, deviating longitudinally of the assembly from the other parts: of these severance lines and from the severance lines l6 of the record strips. The deviating line portions I8 are ordinarily weakened to a greater extent than the remainder of the lines as by providing elongated slits or cuts extending entirely through the paper. These deviating line portions provide grip tabs I 9 and resultant marginal openings or notches upon severance of the strips along weakened lines, said grip tabs projecting fromthe adjacent edges of the carbon sheets. The purpose of the notches and grip tab structure is to provide means for separating the carbon sheets of a severed record set from the record sheets thereof in a manner as fully described in the Conklin Patent No. 2,083,295, issued June 8, 1937, to which reference is made for a more complete disclosure of this feature. While the notches and grip tab structure may be positioned near the longitudinal center line of the assembly it is more advantageous in the present embodimentof the invention to position them along a zone laterally offset from the assembly center line so as to assist in retaining the envelope series in position as more fully described below.

Fastening devices 20 such as light wire staples, textile thread, or similar filamentary binders extend through the assembly from top to bottom thereof for the purpose of retaining the constituent elements in correctly assembled relation. These filamentary binders extend through record strips l0 directly upon the weakened severance lines it, being longitudinally spaced along the assembly substantially throughout the extent thereof. They also extend through the bases of the grip tabs l9 substantially in transverse alignment with the severance lines ll of the transfer strips. When a set of record and transfer sheets is severed from the complete assembly along the weakened severance lines the corresponding binder 22 will thus be released from the record strips but will remain attached to the carbon sheets at the bases of the grip tabs IS. The carbon sheets of a severed set may thus be readily separated from the record sheets thereof by grasping the grip tabs I! and at the same time grasping the margins of the record sheets'at the opposite edge of the set in line with the notches or apertures formed in the edges of the carbon sheets by the removal of the tabs as fully described in the Conklin patent referred to. Also, the envelopes as later described may at the same time be similarly separated from the carbon sheets.

When the constituent parts are assembled as described the assembly is ordinarily folded into a zigzag folded supply pack 2! which is convenient folded "two up."

may engage for effecting feeding of the assembly for handling and for loading into writing machines. This folding of the assembly takes place ordinarily along the transverse weakened lines l6, ll. As shown in Fig. 1, the assembly is folded only on each alternate transverse line I, thus presenting two record leaves at the top of the zigzag pack, or in other words, the assembly is However, it will be clear that the assembly may be folded "one up." that is, along each of the transverse weakened lines, or in some other preferred manner.

In the embodiment herein disclosed the record strips i0 and II are provided with additional diagonally disposed weakened severance lines 22, thus forming detachable corner sections 23. These comer sections 23 may be readily detached from the record sheets of a severed set, thus exposing the adjacent comers of the carbon sheets so that they may be selectively engaged to the exclusion of the record sheets. This construction in connection with the notches formed by removal of the tabs ll provides an alternative means for selectively stripping or removing the carbon sheets from interleaved relation with the record sheets.

An envelope series 24 as shown in detail in Fig. 4 is interleaved in manifolding relation with the record and transfer strips of the assembly. This envelope series includes a multiplicity of separate envelopes 25 which may be made of paper or similar sheet material and of any preferred construction. Each envelope- 25 has a receiving opening 26 positioned at the end thereof near one longitudinal margin of the manifolding assembly and leading to the interior enstrips.

weakening is not velope compartment, but the oppo ite end and the longitudinal edges are closed.

All of the envelopes of the series are connected together in a single unit or strip by means of a longitudinally disposed connecting band 21 preferably of paper or similar sheet material and of suilicient strength to support the envelopes and of sufllcient flexibility. This connecting band is attached to the adjacent end portions of the en velopes by any preferred means such, for example, as applying it in overlapping relation with the marginal portions of the envelopes and attaching it thereto by adhesive means. The connecting band 21 is also formed with a longitudinal series of pin feed apertures 2! adapted to cooperate with the pin feed mechanism utilized for feeding the complete assembly. For this purpose the connecting band 21 is positioned in alignment with the feed bands II of the record The feeding mechanism thus cooperates directly with the envelope series not only to feed it with the assembly but to maintain it in correct manifolding position. Additional means 00- operate to maintain the envelope series in correct position as later described.

It will be noted that the envelope feed band is positioned adjacent to the envelope openings 26 so that it may be utilized for providing closure flaps for these openings. For this purpose the connecting band is provided with transverse weakened severance lines appropriately aligned with the spaces between adjacent envelopes. These lines 21 may be formed by perforating, scoring, creasing, etc., so that the band may be readily severed along the lines without employment of a cutting implement, while the sumcient to interfere with the envelope attaching function. The connection band '21 is also provided with a longitudinal weakened line II which may also be formed by perforating, scoring, slitting, creasing, etc. The line 30 weakens the strip to foldingtherealong whereby the strip may be folded over the envelope opening 26 to provide a closure. Also, the strip may be severed along the line 30 in case it is desired to leave the envelope open, or to close it by other means.

As shown in detail in Fig. 6, the closure flap portion of the band 21 extending beyond the adjacent end of the envelope 25 may be provided on its lower surface with an adhesive 3|. It can thus be folded into closing position over the edge of the envelope and adhesively secured to the envelope surface as shown in broken lines.

As shown in Fig. 5, the envelope connecting feed band 21 may be provided with an additional longitudinal weakened line 32 scored or perforated so as to weaken it to provide for severance of the outer portion of the band having the feed apertures 28. When the weakened line 32 is employed, the other longitudinal weakened line 30 may be omitted or retained, but the outwardly extending portion of the band may be ar-' ranged to provide closing and sealing flaps as de scribed above in connection with Fig. 6.

The series of connected envelopes as above described is positioned in the manifolding assembly in transfer relation with the upper transfer strip H and with the feed band 21 aligned with the feed bands I3 of the record strips. The envelopes may thus receive transfer inscriptions on their upper surfaces when the original record strip i is inscribed. When the feeding mechanism engages with the feed bands the feed pins cooperate to feed the entire assembly and to maintain the envelope series in correct position in the assembly. The envelope series preferably extends continuously throughout the length of the manifolding assembly and is folded therewith into the zigzag supply pack 2| in the manner described above for folding the record strips. The folds of the envelope series will thus take place along the transverse lines 29 of the connecting and feed band 21 and the folds will coincide with the spaces between adjacent envelopes. It is desirable that the envelopes at their ends opposite to the feed band 21 terminate slightly short of the adjacent longitudinal edges of the record strips. The projecting marginal parts of the record strips thus protect the envelopes and prevent the ends thereof from contacting with outside objects such as might tend to displace the envelopes.

It will be noticed that the ends of the envelopes opposite to the connecting and feed band 21 are free and unattached to each other, nor are they directly attached to the assembly. However, they are satisfactorily maintained'in position without additional attaching means because they lie in frictional engagement with the overlying and underlying assembly strips being thus frictionally retained in close engagement therewith. Also, it will be noticed that the hinders 20 extend directly between the envelopes adjacent to the ends thereof opposite to the connecting strip 21. The binders 20 are thus positioned beyond the longitudinal center line of the series so as to cooperate with the envelope end portions to limit displacement of the envelopes from their normal positions. For thisreason it is desirable to position the binders 20 along the assembly in a line offset from the longitudinal center line and remote from the connecting band 21.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that each envelope 25 will be located in one of the sets'of record and transfer sheets so as to receive inscriptions simultaneously therewith. While this improved record assembly, including the.

envelope series, may be utilized for recording various business transactions, its use for handling paynolls is particularly mentioned. For this purpose the record sheets of the record strips It may be provided with blank forms 33 ruled for receiving the payroll data so that the records may be maintained complete. The envelopes may be thus utilized for containing the currency or other medium together with one of the inscribed recordsheets having the complete data thereon. Many other uses will be suggested to those familiar with the art, especially for recording business transactionswherein a name and address is required together with a relatively small amount of additional data, and for mailing and other purposes. I

After the data has been inscribed on the blank form of the leading record setof assembly sheets and envelopes, either manually or by means of an appropriate writing machine, the inscribed set can be readily severed as a unit from the complete assembly by tearing along the group of weakened severance lines l6, i1, 29 which are substantially in depthwise alignment with each other. The set of record andtransfer leaves or sheets thus severed will include one of the envelopes 25 which has been properly inscribed on its upper inscription receiving surface. The carbon or transfer sheets of the severed set may then be very easily separated from therecord sheets and envelope by gripping the tabs l9 projecting at one side ofthe assembly, and at the same time gripping the opposite marginal portions of the record sheets and of the envelope in line with the marginal notches or openings of the carbon sheets formed by removal of the tabs I 9. The envelope and record sheets may then be disassembled and the desired contents placed in the envelope after which it may be sealed and delivered.

In some instances it is desired to omit from the envelope surface certain of the inscriptions that are written upon the original record strip III. In such cases a portion of the transfer coating I2 of the upper transfer strip II will be omitted as indicated at 34 in Fig. 2. The area 34 of this transfer strip will be entirely free of transfer material so that a portion of the inscription made on the top strip will not be transferred to the envelope surface. The carbonless area 34 may overlap a portion of the envelope surface at the bottom or rear edge thereof, and this area may extend entirely across the transfer strip; its bounds may be limited or extended so as to omit the desired .portions of the inscriptions. Thus in cases where it is desired to omit from the envelope all data except name and address this may be readily accomplished by appropriately extending the limits of the carbonless area 34.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be in-' terpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. i

Having described my invention, what I claim rality of open edged envelopes fed and maintained in position relatively. to the manifolding strips, said envelopes having body parts separate from each other and longitudinally spaced apart and being individually connected to said one apertured feed band, said -manifolding strips having a longitudinal series of transverse weakened severance lines, and a longitudinal series of assembly fastening devices positioned respectively substantially on said weakened severance lines and in the respective spaces between the envelope body parts at parts thereof laterally spaced from said feed bands.

2. Ina manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved manifolding strips, 9. plurality of open edged envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, and relatively superposed assembly feed bands provided with pin feed apertures and extending along the length of the assembly, an envelope supporting strip extending continuously along the length of the assembly and having a part forming one of said apertured feed bands and being connected to and forming an extension of each of said'envelopes whereby the latter are fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said envelope supporting strip having partsvposltioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes for folding over said open edges.

3. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved manifolding strips, a pluarranged in series formation-and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, relatively superposed assembly feed bands provided with pin feed aper-. tures and extending along the length of the assembly, one of said apertured feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, and transverse weakened sever-- ance lines longitudinally spaced along said envelope feed band and providing for severance therefrom of the individual closing flaps.

4. In a manifolding assembly, in combination,

' continuous interleaved manifolding strips, a pin-- rality of open edged envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, relatively superposed assembly feed bands provided with rows of pin feed apertures and extending along'the length of the assembly, an envelopesupporting strip extending continuously along the length of the assembly and having a part forming one of said apertured feed bands and being connected to said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in, position relatively to the manifolding strips, said envelope supporting strip having parts positioned adjacent tothe open edges of the envelopes for folding over said open edges,

and a longitudinal weakened severance line extending along said envelope supporting strip between said foldable parts thereof and said rowof pin feed apertures thereof.

sembly feed bands extending along the length of the assembly, one of said feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the enve-' lope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, and being gummed to provide a seal, a longitudinal weakened severance line extending along the outer margins of the closing flaps and between the latter and the pin feed apertures, and transverse weakened severance lines longitudinally spaced along said envelope feed band and providing for severance therefrom of the individual closing flaps.

6. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved strips, a plurality of envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, and relatively superposed assembly feed bands extending along the length of the assembly, one of said feed bands being connected to and forming an, extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said envelopes having free end portions opposite to said envelope feed band with adjacent marginal portions in contact with the adjacent assembly strips whereby the envelopes are frictionally held interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, and relatively superposed assembly feed bands extending along the length of the assembly, one of said feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelopes of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, said portions opposite to adjacent marginal adjacent assembly are frictionally held in place.

8. In a manifolding assembly, continuous. interleaved strips, a plurality of open edged envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, relatively superposed assembly feed bands extending along the length of the assembly, one of said feed bands being connected to and formingan extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively, to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, said envelopes having free end portions opposite to said envelope feedband with adjacent marginal portions incontact with the adjacent assembly strips whereby the envelopes are frictionally held in place, and transverse weakened severance lines said envelope feed band with portions in contact with the band and providing for severance therefrom of the individual closing flaps.

envelopes having free end.

strips whereby the envelopes in combination,

9. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved record and transfer strips, a plurality of open edged envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in transfer relation with an asembly transfer strip, relatively superposed assembly feed bands provided with pin. feed apertures and extending along the length of the assembly, one of said apertured feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent 1 to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, said envelopes having free end portions opposite to said envelope feed band with adjacent marginal portions-in contact with the adjacent assembly strips whereby the envelopes are frictionally held in place, and a longitudinal weakened severance line extending along the outer margins of said closing flaps and between the latter and the pin feed apertures.

10. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous strips, a plurality of open edged envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in transfer relation with an assembly transfer strip, relatively superposed assembly feed bands provided with pin feed apertures and extending along the length of the assembly, one of said apertured feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, said interleaved record and transfer vided with pin feed apertures and extending envelopes having free end portions opposite to said envelope feed band with adjacent marginal portions in contact with the adjacent assemblystrips whereby the envelopes are frictionally held in place, transverse weakened severance lines longitudinally spaced along said envelope feed band and providing for severance therefrom of the individual closing flaps, and a longitudinal weakened severance line extending along the outer margins of said closing flaps and between the latter and the pin feed apertures.

11. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved. record and transfer strips, a plurality of open edged envelopes ar-' ranged in series formation-and interleaved in manifolding transfer relation with said record and transfer strips, and relatively superposed assembly feed bands extending along the length of the assembly, one of said feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, transverse weakened severance lines longitudinally spaced along said envelope feed band and providing for severance therefrom of the individual closing flaps, said record and transfer strips having longitudinally spaced transverse weakened severance lines substantiallyl in depthwise alignment respectively with said feed. band transverse severance lines, and bind'ng means longitudinally spaced along the assem ly for binding the assembly parts together.

l.2. In a manifold ng assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved record and transfer strips, a plurality of open edged envelopes arranged in along the length of the assembly, one of said apertured feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said feed band of the envelope series being positioned adjacent to the open edges of the envelopes to provide closing flaps therefor, said envelopes having free end portions opposite to said envelope feed band with adjacent marginal portions in contact with the adjacent assembly strips whereby the envelopes are frictionally held in place, transverse weakened severance lines longitudinally spaced along said envelope feed band and providing for'severance therefrom of the individual closing flaps, said record and transfer strips having longitudinally spaced transverse weakened severance lines substantially in depthwise alignment respectively' with said feed band transverse severancelines, and-binding means longitudinally spaced along the assembly for binding the assembly parts together.

13. In a manifolding assembly, .in combination, continuous interleaved strips, a plurality of envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, and relatively superposed assembly feed bands extending along the length of the assembly, one of said feed bands being connected to and forming an extension of said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifolding strips, said envelopes having free end portions opposite to said envelope feed band with adjacent marginal portions in contact with the adjacent assembly strips whereby the envelopes are frictionally held in place, and a series of strip binders longitudinally spaced along the assembly beyond the longitudinal center line ofthe envelope series from said feed band thereof, so as to provide supporting means for envelope end portions opposite to said envelope feed band.

14. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved manifolding strips, a plurality of envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said manifolding strips, a connecting strip extending continuously along said envelope series and attached to each of said envelopes for connecting them in a continuous series, and attaching de-,.

- velopes.

15. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, continuous interleaved manifolding strips, a plurality of envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said manifolding strips, a. connecting strip extending continuously along said envelope series and attached to each of said envelopes for connecting them in a continuous series, said manifolding strips having a longitudinal series of transverse weakened severance lines arranged in groups and providing for dividing the assembly into sheet sets, and attaching devices connecting said manifolding strips together at a series of points along the assembly and respectively positioned at said groups of transverse severance lines and between adjacent said envelopes.

16, In a, manifolding assembly, in combination,

continuous interleaved manifolding strips, a plurality of envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manii'oldin'g relatiOn with said maniiolding strips, relatively superposed assembly feed bands provided with pin ieed apertures and extending along the length of the assembly, one 01' said apertured feed bands being connected to and forming extensions of each oi! said enve- -lopes whereby the latter are-fed and maintained in position relatively to the manii'olding strips,

- said envelopes having free end portions frictionaliy engaging said strips at points spaced laterally of the assembly from said feed bands, and

attaching devices connecting said maniiolding strips together at a series oi} points along the sembly feed bands provided with rows 01' pin feed apertures and extending alongthe length of the assembly, an envelope supporting strip extending continuously along the length 01' the assembly and having a part forming one of said apertured feed bands and being connected to said envelope series whereby each of said envelopes is fed and maintained in position relatively to the manifoldassembly and respectively positioned between adjacent said envelopes.

17. In a manifolding assembly, in combination.

. continuous interleaved maniioiding strips, a plurality 01' open edged envelopes arranged in series formation and interleaved in manifolding relation with said strips, relatively superposed assembly.

some STUART FLEMING; 

